Best Buddies brings "the precious gift of friendship" to people with special needs, Best Buddies Illinois State Director Eileen Murphy said at the organization's eighth annual gala.

The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago on Nov. 22 and attended by 340 supporters, honored Jack Lavin, former chief of staff to Gov. Pat Quinn.

"The organization was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, and on this, the 50th anniversary of the assassination (of President John F. Kennedy), we think about the dedication of Shriver and his family," said CBS 2's Rob Johnson, who emceed the gala. "Kennedy was the first to pass legislation for people living with disabilities."

Co-chairs Jay and Colleen Doherty recognized the Seyfarth Shaw law firm and Silicon Valley Bank for their continued support of the Best Buddies jobs program. A surprise award went to Best Buddies Illinois office assistant Mary Ellen Ryan for her service to the organization.

Jerry Stermer, acting director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, introduced Lavin and delivered a proclamation from Quinn declaring Nov. 22 to be "Jack Lavin Day" in Illinois. Lavin asked the Best Buddies in the audience to stand, and he introduced his daughter Emily and her Best Buddy, Victoria Dixon.

"As parents, we must trust the world with our children. Best Buddies gives us this confidence that our children will be loved," Lavin said.

The Gala raised nearly $170,000 for Best Buddies Illinois, which has programming in 87 schools and touches the lives of nearly 7,000 students and 500 adults.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.